Hair Relaxers: A Racial Divide In Hair Care (2025)

Hair relaxers are chemical products that permanently straighten hair. They are typically used by Black people, but many white people wonder if they can use them too. While relaxers are usually marketed toward ethnic hair, they can be used by anyone, regardless of race or hair type. However, it is important to note that hair relaxers come with risks, such as scalp irritation, chemical burns, and hair breakage, and should be used with caution.

Hair relaxers can be used by anyone, irrespective of race

Hair relaxers are hair products that can be used by anyone, irrespective of their race. They are chemicals formulated to straighten hair, and as such, they can be used on Caucasian, African, or Asian hair, or any other hair type. Hair relaxers are available in various strengths, but none of them are race-specific. The misconception that hair-straightening products are only suitable for people with kinky hair persists because they are the primary demographic that uses relaxers.

If you have curly hair and want it to be straighter and easier to manage, a hair relaxer is a suitable option. However, it is important to note that hair relaxers are made of chemicals that can lead to hair breakage and scalp irritation. For Caucasian hair, it is recommended to use a low-strength relaxer and always be aware of the risks. Before using a hair relaxer, it is best to consult a professional hairstylist to determine the most suitable product for your hair type.

Additionally, it is crucial to understand the basics of hair relaxers and their potential side effects. Studies have shown that excessive use of lye relaxers, for instance, can cause various ailments, including reproductive issues, heart disease, certain cancers, and mental health issues. Hair loss is also a commonly cited side effect of using lye relaxers. Therefore, it is essential to be well-informed about the risks associated with hair relaxers before using them.

While hair relaxers can be used by anyone, it is worth noting that Black women are more affected by hair relaxers due to their frequent use of these products. Black women are more likely to use hair relaxers regularly from adolescence due to the heavy promotion of these products by celebrities and the lack of celebration of natural afro hair in the media. As a result, Black women are exposed to the harmful chemicals in hair relaxers more often, increasing their risk of cancer and other negative health effects.

White people should use low-strength hair relaxers

Hair relaxers are chemical products designed to permanently straighten hair. They are typically used by Black people, but many white people also use them. While relaxers can be used on Caucasian, African, or Asian hair, hair texture is an important consideration when choosing a hair relaxer. For Caucasian hair, it is recommended to use a low-strength relaxer and to be aware of the potential risks.

Hair relaxers are available in various strengths, but none are race-specific. The different types of straighteners include sodium hydroxide straighteners, also known as lye relaxers, which are suitable for curly or wavy hair but are best used on mild to coarse hair types. These straightening creams can easily damage delicate hair types. Calcium hydroxide straighteners, or lye-free relaxers, are a good option for those who experience scalp irritation with lye relaxers. While these hair relaxers are gentler on the scalp, they can be harsher on the hair. Ammonium thioglycolate (ATG) relaxers are not as effective at straightening and are therefore less commonly used. However, for Caucasian hair that is not very curly, an ATG relaxer can be a suitable choice.

It is important to note that hair relaxers can irritate the scalp and cause chemical burns, stinging, or itching. Some people may experience reproductive issues, heart disease, certain cancers, and mental health issues after using hair relaxers. Hair loss is also a common side effect of using lye relaxers. Before using a hair relaxer, it is essential to understand the basics or consult a professional to identify the appropriate product for your hair type.

White people can use hair relaxers, but it is recommended to opt for low-strength relaxers and be aware of the potential risks associated with these products. Consulting a professional hairstylist can help ensure the best results and minimize potential damage to the hair and scalp.

Black women are more affected by hair relaxers due to frequent use

Hair relaxers are products that permanently change hair texture, leaving it straight. While hair relaxers are made for and marketed to people with curly hair, which is more common in Black people, anyone can use them. However, Black women are more affected by hair relaxers due to frequent use.

Black women are more likely to use hair relaxers regularly as they have naturally curly hair that is extremely difficult to straighten without chemicals. Additionally, they are more likely to start using hair relaxers from adolescence, as there are products specifically marketed to teenagers and children. A study from the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology found that 89% of Black women reported using hair relaxers. Consequently, most Black women use chemical hair relaxers during adolescence and adulthood, as these products have been heavily promoted by celebrities.

In contrast, white women with curly hair have less dangerous options for straightening their hair, such as heat styling, which does not involve any chemicals. By using chemical hair relaxers frequently, Black women are exposed to harmful chemicals more often, increasing their risk of serious health issues, such as uterine and ovarian cancer, preterm birth, infertility, and breast cancer. Some of the substances in hair relaxers cause scalp irritation, lesions, and burns, which allow toxic chemicals to enter the bloodstream through skin absorption.

The use of hair relaxers by Black women is influenced by societal norms and expectations. Straight hair is often considered the norm, and Black women may feel pressure to conform to a certain aesthetic or standard of professionalism. This pressure can come from society at large, as well as specific industries or workplaces that have expectations about the acceptability of certain hairstyles. For example, Michelle Obama, as the first lady, felt that she could not wear braids and chose to straighten her hair instead.

The dangers of hair relaxers have become clearer in recent years, with a growing body of evidence suggesting that the chemicals in these products are linked to serious health problems. Despite this, these products remain largely unregulated in the US. Black women who have developed health issues due to their use of hair relaxers may be entitled to financial compensation from the liable manufacturers.

Hair relaxers can cause scalp irritation, lesions and burns

While hair relaxers are designed for and marketed towards people with curly hair, they can be used by anyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. Hair relaxers contain chemicals that permanently change hair texture, straightening it. However, they can also lead to hair breakage and other adverse effects.

Hair relaxers can cause scalp irritation, lesions, and burns. Scalp irritation is a sign that a relaxer may be damaging your hair and scalp. Your scalp can be sensitive to a particular formulation, and leaving it on for even the minimum time recommended can potentially give you chemical burns. If you experience a tingling sensation during application, tell your stylist or rinse your scalp thoroughly with lukewarm water.

A burning or tingling sensation can be normal in some cases, according to Abra McField, the CEO and Founder of Abra Kadabra Hair & Healing. This is due to the difference between the pH balance of the scalp, which is between 4.5 and 5.5, and the pH balance of a relaxer, which is around 9-14. This discrepancy causes an organic reaction in the scalp, leading to swelling and inflammation. The severity of the reaction will depend on the pH balance of the relaxer, how long it sits on the scalp, your natural pH balance, and whether a base was used to protect the scalp.

Along with burning, you may experience sores or lesions on your scalp soon after a relaxer. These sores can ooze fluids, crust over, and lead to infection or permanent hair loss. According to Al Alexander, a professional hairstylist specializing in textured hair, sores and burns are not a common response to relaxers. They indicate that proper preparation wasn't practiced or that the processing was poorly done. You might develop sores due to an allergic reaction to the chemicals or because of low-quality products. Any break in the skin is a cause for concern, as your scalp can scar, similar to how your skin would after a cut or burn.

Hair relaxers can lead to hair loss

Hair relaxers are chemical products that permanently change hair texture, leaving hair straight. They are often used by people with curly hair, including those of African heritage. However, hair relaxers can lead to hair loss in several ways.

Firstly, hair relaxers can cause hair breakage, which is when hair breaks off due to damage to the delicate strands. This can occur when a relaxer is too strong or left on for too long, resulting in over-processing of the hair. Over time, this can contribute to thinning hair.

Secondly, hair relaxers can cause scalp inflammation, which, in some cases, triggers the body to create scar tissue beneath the scalp. This can lead to inflammatory scarring alopecias, including traction alopecia, which is also caused by the pulling forces hair is subjected to during the relaxing process. Traction alopecia can also occur from continuously wearing tight hairstyles that tug on the hairline after relaxing hair.

Thirdly, hair relaxers can cause scalp irritation, sores, and burns, which can lead to infection and permanent hair loss. The high pH level of relaxers, typically between 9 and 14, causes an organic reaction in the scalp, leading to swelling and inflammation. This can result in a burning sensation and sores that may ooze fluid or crust over.

Finally, hair relaxers have been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including uterine and ovarian cancer. This is due to the harmful chemicals in these products, which can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the scalp. Formaldehyde relaxers, in particular, have been associated with eczema and dermatitis on the scalp, leading to weaker hair strands that are more prone to breakage.

To minimise the risk of hair loss from using hair relaxers, it is important to use them correctly and not leave them on for too long. Additionally, it is recommended to handle relaxed hair delicately, provide extra hydration, and limit the use of heat styling tools.

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